Exelis will use the new technology to produce a variety of composite
hardware components under the STaR product line, including floor beam
and wing box struts, control rods and torque tubes. The unique
technology allows for rapid development and reconfiguration of product
design and offers the capability to produce monolithic carbon fiber
struts or integrate metallic fittings during the automated manufacturing
process. As a result, the STaR products are lower weight while achieving
the same strength requirements compared with other composite production
methods. In addition, the composite hardware provides much higher
strength-to-weight ratio vs. traditional metallic parts.

“The newly acquired technology provides Exelis with a competitive
advantage as the aerospace industry continues to expand the use of
composites looking for new opportunities to reduce the weight of
aircraft,” said Mike Blair, vice president and general manager of Exelis
Aerostructures. “The STaR product line offers customers significant
weight savings without compromising strength and durability. The
combination of the unique manufacturing process and automation
technology positions us to meet the market demands with the ability to
produce upward of 40,000 STaR parts per year.”

Aerostructures has been identified as one of four strategic growth
platforms for the company. Exelis will produce the STaR products at its
composite design and manufacturing center in Salt Lake City.

BODAIR S.A. is an emerging technology company active in the design and
development of carbon fiber applications for the aerospace industry. The
company’s investment in research and development has advanced the use of
composite materials in aircraft applications and produced innovative
manufacturing processes.

About Exelis

Exelis is a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense, information
and services company that leverages a 50-year legacy of deep customer
knowledge and technical expertise to deliver affordable,
mission-critical solutions for global customers. We are a leader in
positioning and navigation, sensors, air traffic management solutions,
image processing and distribution, communications and information
systems; and focused on strategic growth in the areas of critical
networks, ISR and analytics, electronic warfare and composite
aerostructures. Headquartered in McLean, Va., Exelis employs about
17,000 people and generated 2013 sales of $4.8 billion. For more
information, visit our website at www.exelisinc.com or
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